“The End of the Special Relationship?“

“The End of the Special Relationship?“ with F. Gregory Gause, III and Kristin Smith Diwan May 18, 2016 The United States’ relationship with Saudi Arabia has been a cornerstone of U.S. policy in the Middle East for decades. Despite substantial differences in history, culture, and governance, the two countries have generally agreed on important political and economic issues and have often relied on each other to secure mutual aims. Today the relationship is under strain as fundamental changes in oil markets, regional security, and U.S. priorities at times find the United States and its newly assertive ally in disagreement and the alliance beset by a new sense of mistrust. What is the future of the relationship? Will a new U.S. administration be able to change the dynamic? What will be the impact on relations of Saudi Arabia’s new domestic and international initiatives, including Saudi Vision 2030 and the Saudi-led Islamic Military Alliance? The Arab